Home is meant for safety and comfort. However, as people age, a home can bring new challenges. Senior living facilities have high costs and present issues for family. To avoid these costs, it is important to learn about home safety for seniors and ensure a comfortable and secure home for loved ones to age in place.
Bathroom Safety
The bathroom is a hot spot for fall injuries due to slippery surfaces. To prevent falls, make sure shower surfaces and tubs are covered with non-slip mats. These mats can also be placed near the bathroom sink and the toilet. Installing a raised toilet with railing is a good idea so seniors can easily sit up and down. Also, consider installing a hand bar inside the shower and bathtub to prevent slipping and falling as well.
Stairs and Steps Safety
Stairs are common in most homes, so it is important to understand stair safety for those who want to age in place and have stairs in their home. Make sure the stairs have handrails on both sides. Install a light source so it is easy to see each step. If the steps are wood or another type of slippery surface, it is a good idea to make sure there is some kind of gripping placed to prevent falls. If necessary, installing a ramp or chair lift may allow you to move around your home more easily.
Kitchen Safety
There are a lot of safety concerns for seniors when it comes to the kitchen. Make sure that the kitchen area is well-lit. A good idea would be to install motion-detection lights to come on automatically when someone enters the kitchen. A non-skid mat should be placed in front of the kitchen sink to prevent accidental slipping.
Home safety for seniors is very important when downsizing or deciding to age in place at their current home. If you are looking for an accessible home for purchase to age in place, contact your local SRES Realtor who specialize in meeting the needs of seniors when buying or selling homes.